Nelson Ugwuagbo

Eminent stakeholders and concerned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have reaffirmed Senator Sam Anyanwu as the duly elected and substantive National Secretary of the party.

The resolution was part of a communiqué issued on Monday in Abuja following a closed-door meeting aimed at resolving the lingering crisis within the party. Participants at the meeting were drawn from across various states of the federation.

Reading the communiqué, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, said the reaffirmation of Anyanwu’s position was based on the stakeholders’ consensus and in accordance with a judgment of the Supreme Court.

Wike stated that the meeting reviewed the current state of the party and emphasized the need to uphold internal democracy, equity, and justice within its ranks.

He attributed the ongoing crisis in the PDP to the refusal of some individuals to adhere to the party’s constitution. He specifically cited provisions in Section 36(1)(a)(b)(c), Sections 47(3)(5), and Section 48(1)(i), along with the Supreme Court’s definitive ruling on the office of the National Secretary.

The minister expressed concern that the party risked collapse if urgent action was not taken to address what he described as divisive, desperate, and selfish tendencies that undermined the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his deputy Senator Barau Jibrin, and several state governors have joined millions of Muslim faithful across the country in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

In separate messages, the leaders emphasised the importance of unity, sacrifice, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to national progress.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in obedience to Allah. The occasion is marked by prayers and the slaughter of rams and other animals as a symbol of devotion and generosity.

President Tinubu, in his statement, described the celebration as “a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.”

He urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness that define the season, while also embracing resilience, tolerance, and a shared commitment to national development.

“Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results. I assure you that the toughest days are behind us,” he said.

The president added that recent reforms are beginning to show positive outcomes, and called on citizens to remain patient and hopeful.

“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” Tinubu said.

He also called for prayers for Nigeria’s frontline security personnel, who he said continue to make sacrifices for the safety of the nation.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her goodwill message, congratulated Muslims on the occasion and encouraged acts of kindness and charity.

“This is a time of deep reflection on the values of sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith,” she said. “It is also a time to show kindness and generosity. I urge you to remember your neighbours and extend a hand of love and support, especially to the less privileged.”

Other political leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to use the festive period to promote peace, love, and national unity.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed growing speculation that President Bola Tinubu may sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the rumours, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, described the claims as baseless and a distraction from ongoing governance efforts.

“I’m hearing that for the first time. There’s a solid working relationship between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima,” Arodiogbu said. “Shettima is a key asset—intelligent, focused, and deeply involved in this administration. These rumours are likely just political noise meant to create division.”

He noted that such speculation is common as election cycles approach but emphasised that both Tinubu and Shettima remain united and fully supported by the party.

Also responding, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said simply, “I am not aware, Sir,” when contacted.

The rumours surfaced shortly after President Tinubu received widespread endorsements from party leaders and elected officials as the APC’s sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The endorsement was initiated by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, during the APC National Summit held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Subsequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, backed the endorsement, citing the President’s performance.

APC National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, also affirmed the party’s position, declaring Tinubu as its sole candidate for the next presidential race.

While the endorsement was welcomed in some quarters, it also drew criticism from opposition parties and segments within the APC.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

Eno said the decision to switch parties followed three months of consultations with key stakeholders across the state. He expressed appreciation to the PDP for the support extended to him during his time in the party but noted that it was time to make what he described as a “progressive move.”

According to the governor, his defection was motivated by his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the desire to align Akwa Ibom State with the federal government in order to secure continued developmental benefits.

“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Eno stated.

“We are joining the APC today in the state’s interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.”

He added that the move was not from a position of weakness but of strength, and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Akwa Ibom irrespective of party affiliations.

The event was attended by several APC governors, including the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi); Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); and Governor Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

As preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir festival intensify, ram sellers at major markets in Ogun and Lagos states have expressed concerns over low patronage, attributing it to the rising cost of rams and the prevailing economic challenges.

Traders at the Ibafo, Kara, and Agege markets, who spoke with our correspondents on Wednesday, said the high cost of transporting rams from Northern Nigeria had significantly affected their selling prices, resulting in reduced customer turnout compared to the same period last year.

At the Ibafo market, a trader, Rabiu Abubakar, lamented the poor sales, noting a sharp contrast to the previous year’s performance.

“If you were here at this time last year, you wouldn’t see people sitting idle. Sales were very impressive then, but this year, things have been slow,” he said.

According to him, rams that sold for between N150,000 and N180,000 last year now cost between N250,000 and N280,000—an increase of over 55 percent.

“We cannot sell at a loss. We are pricing based on our cost, which is much higher this year due to the increase in prices from the North,” he added.

Another trader, Sabo Sheu, echoed Rabiu’s sentiments, highlighting transportation costs as a major factor contributing to the hike in prices.

He explained that the cost of moving livestock from the North to the Southwest had significantly increased, further compounding the pricing challenges and discouraging buyers.